Jon Mayer's concept for this trio CD was simple; interpret hits composed by jazz musicians during the 1950s and 1960s which haven't been recorded very often in the 21st century. Accompanied by
Rufus Reid on bass, and drummer
Willie Jones III,
Mayer's years of experience come to the forefront with his fresh looks at gems such as
Benny Golson's "Along Came Betty,"
Joe Henderson's "Recorda Me," (a marvelous blend of bossa nova and hard bop), and
Bill Evans' intricate "Very Early." The jaunty take of
Sonny Rollins' blues-soaked "Solid" features
Reid's driving bassline and some wailing piano from the leader. The bittersweet ballad "Don't Misunderstand," a favorite of singers like
Carmen McRae and
Arthur Prysock, packs a punch with
Mayer's touching interpretation. One piece that dates from a later period is Kenny Barron's mid-1980s post-bop masterpiece "Voyage," which is well on its way to becoming a jazz standard;
Mayer stretches the boundaries of this exciting composition. It seems hard to believe how few albums
Jon Mayer has recorded up to the time of this 2003 session, but he more than makes the most of every opportunity to record as a leader, as he does on this brilliant CD. ~ Ken Dryden